Yukang Mao, Tingting Wu, Yuer Jiang+3 more · 2026 · Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity · Blackwell Publishing · added 2026-04-24
Obesity is a well-documented cardiovascular risk factor. Here, we sought to investigate whether obesity causes subclinical cardiac remodeling and heart failure (HF), and if so, to perform a systematic Show more
Obesity is a well-documented cardiovascular risk factor. Here, we sought to investigate whether obesity causes subclinical cardiac remodeling and heart failure (HF), and if so, to perform a systematic scan of the plasma protein for novel drug targets. We leveraged visceral adipose tissue (VAT), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)-all adjusted for body mass index (BMI)-as indicators of obesity. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were used to estimate the independent, causal effects of obesity on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived cardiac traits and HF risk. Mediation analyses followed by druggability assessment were conducted to identify promising protein targets for therapeutic translation. Genetically determined VATadjBMI, WCadjBMI, and WHRadjBMI presented broad causal associations with alterations of distinct cardiac phenotypes, most of which remained significant after controlling for obesity-induced cardiometabolic risk factors, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and adverse lipid profiles. By contrast, WHRadjBMI is the only independent causal predictor for HF risk. Of 142 proteins with mediating effects, scavenger receptor class A member 5 (SCARA5), membrane cofactor protein (CD46), and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (SERPINA3) may contribute to the early-stage adverse cardiovascular effect of obesity, whereas apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3), mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), and chordin-like protein 2 (CHRDL2) may further promote the development of obesity-driven HF. Medications targeted at these candidate proteins are either approved or under evaluation in clinical trials. Our MR findings provided genetic evidence for the direct, causal associations of obesity with cardiac remodeling and HF, while also outlining druggable proteins as promising therapeutic targets. Show less
Atherosclerotic plaque instability is a direct cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. In this study, a mitochondria-targeted liposome (LIP), modified with triphenylphosphonium (TPP) to en Show more
Atherosclerotic plaque instability is a direct cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. In this study, a mitochondria-targeted liposome (LIP), modified with triphenylphosphonium (TPP) to enable specific mitochondrial delivery, was innovatively constructed to encapsulate a PCSK9 inhibitor (TPP-LIP@PCSK9). The aim was to explore a novel strategy for stabilizing plaques by restoring mitochondrial function in endothelial cells. Characterization results showed that TPP-LIP@PCSK9 possesses favorable nano-characteristics, and its targeting capability was confirmed through mitochondrial co-localization experiments. In an Apoe Show less
High-dose methotrexate for pediatric cancer treatment is frequently associated with mucositis, which can lead to delayed or discontinued treatment and impact survival. While individual genetic variant Show more
High-dose methotrexate for pediatric cancer treatment is frequently associated with mucositis, which can lead to delayed or discontinued treatment and impact survival. While individual genetic variants have been implicated, the cumulative impact of genetic variation within relevant biological pathways remains unexplored. We evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms across 18 pathways previously identified as relevant to mucositis in 278 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia from six academic health centers across Canada. Pathway enrichment was assessed using the Joint Association of Genetic variants tool, and a predictive model was developed using XGBoost, a supervised machine learning algorithm based on gradient-boosted decision trees. Pathway enrichment identified significant associations in IL6 (P = 0.04) and WNT/β-catenin (P = 0.048) signaling pathways. The predictive model (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.76) highlighted single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with inflammation- and mucosa-related genes, including PRKCD, IL17B, MAST3, and CAPN9, with both risk and protective effects. Model performance dropped by 0.15 in AUC (from 0.76 to 0.61) after removing single nucleotide polymorphism features, underscoring their predictive value. This pathway-informed approach identifies genetic contributors to methotrexate-induced mucositis and supports polygenic risk prediction. Our findings provide a foundation for individualized toxicity risk profiling and suggest potential therapeutic targets to mitigate treatment-limiting mucositis in pediatric oncology. Show less
The global obesity epidemic necessitates therapies that enhance energy expenditure. Non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) in brown/beige adipose tissue represents a promising target, with fibroblast growt Show more
The global obesity epidemic necessitates therapies that enhance energy expenditure. Non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) in brown/beige adipose tissue represents a promising target, with fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) emerging as a critical regulator linking environmental stimuli to adipose plasticity and mitochondrial function. However, the precise mechanisms of FGF21 secretion and its specific role in adipose tissue browning and subsequent NST potentiation remain incompletely elucidated. FGF21 regulates NST via distinct spatiotemporal mechanisms. Acute cold exposure triggers hepatic FGF21 secretion through a β FGF21 exhibits dual regulation: hepatic (acute lipid mobilization) and adipose-based (chronic browning); adipose-targeted FGF21 delivery is essential for therapeutic efficacy, and future studies should integrate FGF21 with UCP1-independent pathways (e.g., creatine/succinate cycles) to advance obesity treatment. Show less
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is n Show more
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents significant central nervous system trauma and has consistently been a focal point of research in the domain of neural regeneration and repair. Currently, there is no effective treatment available. Various modalities of magnetic stimulation have emerged for recovery from spinal cord injuries; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, significantly hindering the application of magnetic stimulation technologies in treating such injuries. This study aims to elucidate these relevant mechanisms by establishing a simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation system. In this study, we established a right hemisection model at T8 in mice and administered continuous simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation targeting the left motor cortex and right L5 nerve root over six weeks. We subsequently utilized a spinal cord dorsal hemisection model to examine regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST). Motor-evoked potential assessments and calcium imaging techniques were employed to explore neural circuit repair. Additionally, we integrated transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches to investigate related mechanisms. The findings indicate that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation effectively restores motor function in the hind limbs, promotes the regeneration of corticospinal tracts in mice with spinal cord injuries, and facilitates the reconstruction of sensorimotor circuits and functions within the spinal cord. Simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation significantly enhances axonal regeneration of the CST following SCI. This effect may be mediated through the activation of the AMPK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, which promotes neurotrophic factor secretion and subsequently induces nerve axon regeneration. This study suggests that simulated closed-loop magnetic stimulation represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment for impaired gait following SCI. Show less
ApoB (apolipoprotein B)-containing lipoproteins are causal risk factors for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Since human cathelicidin LL-37 binds to ApoB-100 in this pathological context Show more
ApoB (apolipoprotein B)-containing lipoproteins are causal risk factors for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Since human cathelicidin LL-37 binds to ApoB-100 in this pathological context, we investigated whether the circulating LL-37-ApoB-100 complex could serve as a biomarker for CAD. We performed surface plasmon resonance and protein-protein docking to demonstrate the direct LL-37-ApoB-100 interaction. We developed a specific polyclonal antibody against the complex and measured its levels in human atherosclerotic plaques and plasma, as well as in We identified that LL-37 directly interacted with multiple distinct binding sites on ApoB-100. Plasma levels of LL-37-ApoB-100 complex were significantly elevated in human patients with atherosclerosis. Consistently, levels of this complex were positively correlated with atherosclerotic plaque area in Circulating LL-37-ApoB-100 levels are strongly associated with angiographically documented CAD, highlighting LL-37-ApoB-100 as an independent predictor for CAD. Show less
Ying Yang, Xiang Li, Dan-Li Tang+4 more · 2026 · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica · added 2026-04-24
This study established a hyperlipidemia model by feeding Sprague-Dawley rats a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: model group, atorvastatin calcium gro Show more
This study established a hyperlipidemia model by feeding Sprague-Dawley rats a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: model group, atorvastatin calcium group(4.8 mg·kg~(-1)), low-, medium-, and high-dose Tanyu Tongzhi Optimization Decoction(TYTZD) groups(3.6, 7.2, and 14.4 g·kg~(-1)), and a normal diet control group. After 4 weeks of continuous administration, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and oil red O staining were used to observe liver pathological changes and lipid infiltration. Automatic biochemical analyzer were performed to assess blood lipid profiles, coagulation function, and liver function. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were employed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and proteins(DEPs), followed by enrichment analysis. The MCODE algorithm was applied to classify DEGs and DEPs into modules, and network separation index(S₍AB)) was calculated to assess module separation, enabling construction of a gene-protein co-expression network for core target screening. The diagnostic accuracy of core targets was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve(AUC), and ELISA was used to measure core target expression. Western blot detected the expression of core pathway-related proteins in liver tissue. RESULTS:: demonstrated that TYTZD significantly improved dyslipidemia, coagulation dysfunction, liver injury, hepatic pathology, and lipid infiltration in hyperlipidemic rats. Transcriptomic analysis identified 571 DEGs significantly reversed by TYTZD, mainly enriched in inflammatory signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB). Proteomic analysis identified 102 reversed DEPs, mainly involved in cholesterol metabolism pathways. Integrated analysis identified core targets including TLR4, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), integrin subunit alpha M(ITGAM), Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2), matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), apolipoprotein E(APOE), and apolipoprotein C2(APOC2), all with AUC values greater than 0.70. ELISA showed that TYTZD intervention significantly downregulated MMP9, TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR2, ITGAM, and TLR4, and upregulated APOC2 and APOE. Western blot indicated that TYTZD reduced TLR4, p-NF-κB, and IL-1β protein expression in liver tissue. In conclusion, TYTZD may exert anti-hyperlipidemic effects through regulation of core targets such as ITGAM, TLR4, and APOC2, and by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to intervene in inflammatory responses and cholesterol metabolism, thereby achieving multi-target, multi-pathway therapeutic effects against hyperlipidemia. Show less
Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) have recently emerged as critical mediators in Show more
Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) have recently emerged as critical mediators in cardiovascular pathophysiology; however, their specific contributions to CHD pathogenesis remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify and validate MAM-related biomarkers in CHD through integrated analysis of transcriptomic sequencing data and Mendelian randomization, and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. We analyzed two gene expression microarray datasets (GSE113079 and GSE42148) and one genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset (ukb-d-I9_CHD) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CHD. MAM-related DEGs were filtered using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment analysis, Mendelian randomization, and machine learning algorithms were employed to identify biomarkers with direct causal relationships to CHD. A diagnostic model was constructed to evaluate the clinical utility of the identified biomarkers. Additionally, we validated the two hub genes in peripheral blood samples from CHD patients and normal controls, as well as in aortic tissue samples from a low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR-/-) atherosclerosis mouse model. We identified 4174 DEGs, from which 3326 MAM-related DEGs (DE-MRGs) were further filtered. Mendelian randomization analysis coupled with machine learning identified two biomarkers, DHX36 and GPR68, demonstrating direct causal relationships with CHD. These biomarkers exhibited excellent diagnostic performance with areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve exceeding 0.9. A molecular interaction network was constructed to reveal the biological pathways and molecular mechanisms involving these biomarkers. Furthermore, validation using peripheral blood from CHD patients and aortic tissues from the Ldlr-/- atherosclerosis mouse model corroborated these findings. This study provides evidence supporting a mechanistic link between MAM dysfunction and CHD pathogenesis, identifying candidate biomarkers that have the potential to serve as diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets for CHD. While the validated biomarkers offer valuable insights into the molecular pathways underlying disease development, additional studies are needed to confirm their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in larger, independent cohorts. Show less
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause liver damage through oxidative stress (OS) and immune-inflammatory responses. This study aims to explore the clinical significance of fibroblast growth fact Show more
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause liver damage through oxidative stress (OS) and immune-inflammatory responses. This study aims to explore the clinical significance of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in the development and progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A total of 336 participants were recruited, including 320 CHB patients and 16 healthy controls. The expression of FGF21, immune cytokines, and OS-related molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The methylation level of the FGF21 gene promoter in PBMCs was detected using TaqMan probe-based quantitative methylation-specific PCR. The expression level of FGF21 in the peripheral blood of CHB patients was higher than that of HC, but the methylation level of the FGF21 promoter was lower than that of HC, especially in patients during the immune activation phase. The mRNA expression levels of CXCR3 and CCL5 in PBMCs of CHB patients during the immune activation and reactivation phases were higher than those in other clinical stages. Single-cell analysis revealed that CXCR3 and CCL5 expression in the immune tolerance and immune activation phases with high HBsAg expression was closely related to T lymphocytes (T cells) and natural killer cells (NK cells) and was highly expressed in CD4 and CD8 T cells and NK cells. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and GPX4 in the reactivation phase were higher than those in other clinical stages. The mRNA expression level and methylation level of FGF21 in PBMCs of CHB patients were correlated with the viral load, immune inflammation, and OS levels during the antiviral treatment course of CHB. The methylation level of the FGF21 promoter has the potential to become a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring the progress of antiviral treatment in CHB.IMPORTANCEThis study conducted an in-depth exploration of the application of methylation detection technology, analyzing its value and driving mechanism in the oxidative stress and immune-inflammatory balance during the course of chronic hepatitis B. The study analyzed the methylation patterns of the FGF21 promoter and the expression levels of its receptor FGFR1, as well as the expression levels of chemokines CXCR3, CCL5, and oxidative stress factors GPX4 and Nrf2 in the immune tolerance period, immune clearance period, immune control period, and reactivation period of chronic hepatitis B. It clarified the association between these molecules and the FGF21/FGFR1 axis and revealed the synergistic or antagonistic mechanisms of these molecules in the oxidative stress and inflammatory vicious cycle. At the same time, this study also explored the value of FGF21 promoter methylation in disease diagnosis and prognosis, providing a theoretical basis for evaluating the antiviral treatment effect and disease progression of chronic hepatitis B. Show less
Metabolic reprogramming of Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)-leucine, isoleucine, and valine-has emerged as a constitutive feature of cancer, extending far beyond their canonical roles in protein syn Show more
Metabolic reprogramming of Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)-leucine, isoleucine, and valine-has emerged as a constitutive feature of cancer, extending far beyond their canonical roles in protein synthesis and energy provision. In malignancy, these essential amino acids function as pivotal signaling mediators and epigenetic modulators, thereby propelling tumor progression, facilitating immune evasion, and conferring resistance to therapeutic agents. This review delineates how cancer cells subvert branched-chain amino acid metabolism to fuel anabolic processes, activate oncogenic signaling cascades including mTOR and PI3K/AKT, and remodel the tumor microenvironment. A framework is presented to categorize the differential reliance of various cancers on key catabolic enzymes-BCAT1, BCAT2 and BCKDK-underscoring their therapeutic vulnerability. The paradoxical role of BCAAs in modulating anti-tumor immunity is examined alongside the potential of dietary modulation and the development of pharmacological inhibitors targeting this pathway. Concluding perspectives highlight the trajectory for translating these insights into precision oncology, advocating for biomarker-guided and context-specific therapeutic strategies. Show less
Acute alcohol consumption is known to exert widespread physiological effects, yet the immediate impacts on metabolic biomarkers remain incompletely understood. The present randomized controlled trial Show more
Acute alcohol consumption is known to exert widespread physiological effects, yet the immediate impacts on metabolic biomarkers remain incompletely understood. The present randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the acute effects of a single episode of alcohol ingestion on various biomarkers in healthy individuals. A total of 45 male participants were recruited and randomized into an alcohol group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 5) at an 8:1 ratio. Volunteers in the alcohol group ingested 40% Absolut vodka within 15 min. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation were measured at 0 h, 1 h, 3 h, 5 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Venous blood samples were drawn at 0 h, 1 h, 5 h, 12 h, and 24 h after alcohol intake. Our results showed that levels of liver function markers, including α-fucosidase (AFU), albumin (ALB), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were significantly increased in the alcohol group compared to the control group. The 24-h area under curve (AUC) of AFU, ALB, and ALP were significantly higher in the alcohol group. The liver fibrosis maker collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C) tended to be higher at 1 h and 12 h in the alcohol group compared to the control group. Lipid levels, including triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), and the APOA1/APOB, were significantly elevated after alcohol ingestion, particularly at 5 h and 12 h. The 24 h-AUC of TG, APOA1, and APOA1/APOB were higher in the alcohol group than in the control group. Additionally, cardiac function indicators, including heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), were significantly elevated in the alcohol group. SBP and DBP remained higher 24 h after alcohol ingestion compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that even a single episode of binge drinking could induce significant alterations of biomarkers related to liver function, cardiac function, and lipid profiles. These findings provided valuable insights into the short-term impact of alcohol on health and highlighted the importance of further research to explore the long-term implications of repeated acute alcohol exposure. Given the very small control group, these results should be interpreted as preliminary and confirmed in larger, more balanced randomized trials. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-40028-1. Show less
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) represents a severe vascular complication of type 2 diabetes, primarily driven by impaired angiogenic capacity, and frequently results in limb amputation or mortality. Her Show more
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) represents a severe vascular complication of type 2 diabetes, primarily driven by impaired angiogenic capacity, and frequently results in limb amputation or mortality. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of tirzepatide in promoting perfusion recovery in diabetic hindlimb ischemia and delineated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to high glucose were employed to evaluate tirzepatide's effects on endothelial proliferation, migration, and tube formation, alongside the activation of Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling, assessed by western blotting. Knockdown of GLP-1R or GIPR abrogated the pro-angiogenic effects of tirzepatide, while pharmacological inhibition of the Akt/eNOS or ERK1/2 pathways attenuated endothelial responses. In vivo, tirzepatide treatment significantly enhanced perfusion recovery and increased capillary density in the ischemic limbs of diabetic mice, corroborating its angiogenic effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that tirzepatide facilitates angiogenesis and accelerates ischemic limb revascularization through dual GLP-1R/GIPR activation and subsequent engagement of Akt/eNOS and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for diabetic CLI. Show less
To characterize ultra-processed food (UPF) circulating metabolic signatures associated with Crohn's disease (CD) and to localize key metabolic mediators linking UPF intake to CD risk. Prospective coho Show more
To characterize ultra-processed food (UPF) circulating metabolic signatures associated with Crohn's disease (CD) and to localize key metabolic mediators linking UPF intake to CD risk. Prospective cohort study. Two large multi-center cohorts (UK Biobank [UKB] and Whitehall II [WHII] study) across the UK and an Eastern multi-center cohort ONE-IBD Study from China. UK Biobank discovery cohort (n=10,229) for signature derivation, internal validation cohort (n=91,306), external validation cohort Whitehall-II (n=7,893), and three additional cohorts (two Western and ONE-IBD) for validation of key metabolic drivers. Primary outcomes were UPF-related circulating metabolic signatures and their associations with CD risk; secondary outcomes included evidence supporting causal roles of candidate metabolites and genetic pathways assessed by Mendelian randomization, colocalization, and gene-environment analysis. A UPF metabolic signature of 73 metabolites was constructed and validated across cohorts (Spearman ρ: 0.20-0.25). More pronounced UPF metabolic signature was associated with increased CD risk (HR The adverse effects of UPF on CD risk may be driven by a relative deficiency of protective metabolites such as DHA, apart from additive harm to metabolic depletion. This reframes UPF-related risk and highlighting potential targets for precision nutrition in CD prevention. Show less
Evidence proved that electroacupuncture (EA) combined with antidepressants can improve the antidepressant effectiveness for depressed patients. However, the clinical mechanisms of EA remain unclear. T Show more
Evidence proved that electroacupuncture (EA) combined with antidepressants can improve the antidepressant effectiveness for depressed patients. However, the clinical mechanisms of EA remain unclear. This study aimed to observe the mechanism of EA as an adjunct therapy to escitalopram oxalate (EO) on depressed patients. This study was designed as a single-blinded, double-dummy randomized controlled trial. 61 participants were diagnosed with mild-to-moderate depression according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition (ICD-10, F32) were randomly allocated to receive EA + EO placebo, EO + sham EA, or EA + EO for six weeks treatment. The clinical assessment including depression severity, quality of life (QOL) and clinical safety. Biological indicators of immune-inflammation, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid inducible genes in peripheral blood of participants were measured by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction respectively before and after treatment. Three interventions improved the depression severity and QOL (P < 0.05), and no inter-group difference was found in the 6th week (P > 0.05). Anxiety psychic and somatic general symptoms in the EA + EO group were improved significantly than those of the other two groups (P < 0.05). After six-week treatment of EA + EO, blood SGK1 mRNA, GILZ mRNA, and BDNF levels were increased significantly ( Show less
The development of vascular calcification (VC) in diabetes is closely related to the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). We found that microRNA-32-5p (miR-32) was elevated in the plasma of Show more
The development of vascular calcification (VC) in diabetes is closely related to the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). We found that microRNA-32-5p (miR-32) was elevated in the plasma of calcification patients. However, it is unclear whether miR-32 mediates the function of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (BMSC-EVs) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) VC. BMSC-EVs were characterized by TEM, NTA, Western blotting, and confocal microscopy. Alizarin Red and ALP staining assessed the severity of VC. qRT-PCR and Western blotting evaluated the expression of BMP2, RUNX2, GPX4, SLC7A11, VE-cadherin, and N-cadherin, while immunofluorescence was used for detecting VE-cadherin and N-cadherin. In vivo validation was performed using miR-32 We demonstrated that BMSC-EVs attenuate VC in endothelial cells (ECs) and inhibit EndMT. In vivo, histological analysis showed that treatment with BMSC-EVs significantly reduced the severity of VC associated with T2D. Notably, knockout of miR-32 further enhanced the inhibitory effect of BMSC-EVs on VC. Mechanistically, transcriptomic and functional analyses suggest that the protective effect of BMSC-EVs on VC is associated with regulation of the MAPK/FoxO signaling pathway, potentially mediated by modulation of ferroptosis. These findings demonstrate that BMSC-EVs attenuate T2D-associated VC, partially through miR-32-mediated suppression of EC ferroptosis. Show less
Early pregnancy loss (EPL), a spontaneous death of the embryo or foetus occurring within the first trimester, is a major challenge for human reproduction with profound adverse consequences for women's Show more
Early pregnancy loss (EPL), a spontaneous death of the embryo or foetus occurring within the first trimester, is a major challenge for human reproduction with profound adverse consequences for women's health. Currently, reliable blood-based biomarkers for EPL remain limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover novel biomarkers for EPL using a multi-omics-based approach to facilitate early detection and timely management. In the discovery cohort, 40 patients with EPL and 40 healthy pregnancies (HP) at 7-13 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Serum proteins and metabolites were assayed by Olink® technology and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), respectively. Biomarkers were defined by false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 and fold change (FC) > 1.2. Random forest (RF) and logistic regression (LR) models incorporating selected biomarkers were employed to develop diagnostic models for EPL. In the external validation cohort, we prospectively enrolled 142 pregnancies at 7-10 gestational weeks, including 47 subjects who subsequently developed EPL and 95 pregnancies with full-term birth. Serum levels of selected biomarkers were quantified by ELISA. The combined proteomics and metabolomics screening identified 26 proteins and 21 metabolites significantly changed in the EPL group and tightly associated with EPL-related clinical phenotypes, with functional enrichment in immunoregulation and lipid oxidation processes. Moreover, integrating serum levels of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), neutrophil%, and lymphocyte% achieved an AUC of 0.944 (95% CI: 0.835-1.000) in the random forest model and 0.954 (95% CI: 0.875-1.000) in the logistic regression model to discriminate EPL from HP. Importantly, this four-biomarker model achieved an AUC of 0.857 (95% CI: 0.747-0.968) in the random survival forest model and a C-index of 0.804 (95% CI: 0.685-0.973) in the validation cohort for EPL prediction. Our integrative omics study reveals a panel of potential circulating biomarkers for EPL, which further offer mechanistic insights into EPL pathogenesis, including impaired maternal immune tolerance and dysregulated lipid metabolism pathways. Moreover, the newly identified biomarkers exhibit promising diagnostic and predictive performance for EPL, underscoring its clinical translational value for human reproduction and maternal-foetal health. This study was supported by Research Grants Council (RGC) Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme (G-CUHK415/25), 1+1+1 CUHK-CUHK(SZ)-GDST Joint Collaboration Fund (2025A0505000077), CUHK HOPE BWCH Collaborative Medical Research Fund (CF2025002), Shenzhen Medical Research Fund (C2501040), and Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (RCYX20210609104608036). Show less
Older adults' social participation is associated with frailty, but the transition patterns and their relationship with frailty remain unclear. This longitudinal study aims to explore the latent classe Show more
Older adults' social participation is associated with frailty, but the transition patterns and their relationship with frailty remain unclear. This longitudinal study aims to explore the latent classes and transition patterns of social participation in older adults with chronic non-communicable diseases and to assess their relationship with subsequent frailty. The data set from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2018 (T1) and 2020 (T2) was analyzed, including 4793 older adults. Latent profile analyses (LPA) and latent transition analyses (LTA) were employed to identify latent classes and the transition probabilities of social participation at T1 and T2. The ANCOVA was employed to examine the frailty index at T2 was compared across transition patterns. The LPA results supported a 4-class model labeled as inactive group, voluntary group, social interaction group, and omni-engaged group. The probability of transition from the other groups to the inactive group was significant (33.3 %, 53.8 %, 54.4 %). Age, residence, marital status, and other demographic characteristics can significantly impact transition patterns. However, after controlling for baseline frailty and other covariates, transition patterns were not significantly associated with T2 frailty levels. The short-term (two-year) effect of qualitative shifts in social participation on frailty may be limited when pre-existing health status is accounted for. Future interventions should prioritize sustained engagement and investigate the longer-term effects of both qualitative and quantitative changes in social participation. Show less
Indigenous chickens in tropical regions routinely survive high environmental temperatures (40-45 °C) that cause significant mortality and production loss in commercial breeds, yet the genetic mechanis Show more
Indigenous chickens in tropical regions routinely survive high environmental temperatures (40-45 °C) that cause significant mortality and production loss in commercial breeds, yet the genetic mechanisms of thermotolerance remain poorly understood. This study integrated genome-wide selective scans across 14 geographically and climatically diverse chicken breeds with multi-tissue expression data, gene expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis, transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS), and cross-species phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to validate candidate genes. We identified 25 high-confidence genes under selection, with ATP1A1, PLCB4, RYR2 and AKT3 forming a regulatory hub coordinating cardiovascular, calcium and survival signaling. These genes converge on interconnected adrenergic, calcium, and GnRH signaling pathways, with coordinated expression across heart, hypothalamus, and liver forming an integrated thermoregulatory axis. The eQTL integration analysis using ChickenGTEx data identified 359 tissue-specific cis-eQTLs in selected regions. Additionally, TWAS analysis linked ATP1A1 to 145 gene-trait associations across 13 tissues and 14 trait categories (hepatic regulation, β = -2.13, p = 4.21 × 10⁻¹²), and cross-species PheWAS validated conserved roles in cardiovascular function (RYR2, resting heart rate p = 4.9 × 10⁻¹²), and ionic homeostasis (ATP1A1, chloride p = 1.18 × 10⁻³). In parallel, we also identified robust genomic signatures of domestication in classic candidate genes (TSHR, TBC1D1, BDNF), highlighting how initial separation from Red Jungle Fowl and subsequent adaptation to diverse climates have shaped the genetic and physiological diversity of the domesticated chicken. Collectively, our results reveal an integrated cardio-neuroendocrine calcium network driving heat adaptation, providing potential targets for breeding heat-tolerant chickens. Show less
Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) has become a prominent public health concern among Chinese adolescents and emerging adults, yet prior research has largely relied on variable-centered approaches th Show more
Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) has become a prominent public health concern among Chinese adolescents and emerging adults, yet prior research has largely relied on variable-centered approaches that overlook within-group heterogeneity and provide limited insight into multilevel mechanisms. To address these gaps, this study adopted an integrated analytic framework combining latent profile analysis (LPA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and psychological network analysis. A total of 2345 Chinese university students completed measures of alexithymia (TAS-20), social interaction anxiety (IAS), and PMPU (MPAI). LPA identified three distinct PMPU profiles: Low-risk (62.7%), moderate-risk (24.8%), and high-risk (12.5%). SEM results indicated that alexithymia was positively associated with PMPU in the overall sample, with social interaction anxiety partially mediating this association. Profile-specific analyses further showed that the indirect pathway was significant in the low-risk and moderate-risk profiles but not in the high-risk profile, in which only a direct effect emerged. Network analyses in the low- and moderate-risk groups revealed profile-specific central and bridge nodes, primarily IAS items, highlighting potential symptom targets linking alexithymia and PMPU. Overall, findings underscore meaningful heterogeneity in PMPU and support profile-tailored prevention and intervention strategies emphasizing emotion-processing skills and social anxiety reduction. Show less
Chronic heart failure (CHF) impairs cognitive function. Xijiaqi Formula (XJQ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used clinically to treat CHF, demonstrates potential for improving cognition in CHF Show more
Chronic heart failure (CHF) impairs cognitive function. Xijiaqi Formula (XJQ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used clinically to treat CHF, demonstrates potential for improving cognition in CHF patients. However, its precise mechanism in treating post-CHF cognitive dysfunction remains unclear. This study systematically investigates XJQ's effects on post-CHF cognitive dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms. The components of XJQ were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. CHF was induced in rats via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by six weeks of XJQ treatment. Cardiac function was evaluated through echocardiography and hemodynamic parameters, while cognitive function was assessed using Morris water maze (MWM) and open field tests (OFT). XJQ treatment enhanced both cardiac and cognitive functions in CHF rats. Network pharmacology identified 12 core active components of XJQ and indicated its effect on cognitive dysfunction involved regulating synapses, inflammation, and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4)-dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. XJQ inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation, decreased proinflammatory cytokines, and mitigated neuronal damage. Notably, XJQ promoted synaptic repair and dendritic growth by downregulating PDE4 and upregulating cAMP, protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), PSD95, and synapsin I levels. Molecular docking and Bio-layer interferometry assays confirmed direct binding of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and darutoside to PDE4. In conclusion, XJQ alleviates neuroinflammation and enhances synaptic plasticity to improve cognitive dysfunction in CHF rats via the PDE4/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. These findings provide valuable insight into the heart-brain axis. Show less
Depression is prevalent among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Although various physical activity intensities are differentially associated with depressive symptoms, the underlying mediator and mode Show more
Depression is prevalent among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Although various physical activity intensities are differentially associated with depressive symptoms, the underlying mediator and moderator involving interoception and mindfulness, remain unclear. This study aims to examine whether interoceptive accuracy differentially mediates the relationship between various physical activity intensities and depressive symptoms and whether mindfulness moderates these pathways. In this multicenter cross-sectional study, 395 CRC survivors completed validated questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, physical activity participation, interoceptive accuracy, and mindfulness. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses via PROCESS version 4.1 for SPSS tested whether interoceptive accuracy mediated associations between light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LPA vs. MVPA) and depressive symptoms, and whether mindfulness moderated these pathways. Both LPA and MVPA are negatively associated with depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Interoceptive accuracy significantly mediated these associations, accounting for 49.09% of the total effect for LPA and 20.56% for MVPA. Mindfulness moderated the LPA-interoceptive accuracy (B = -0.004, p = 0.031), interoceptive accuracy-depression (B = -0.022, p = 0.004), and MVPA-depression pathways (B = -0.001, p = 0.034), suggesting differential, intensity-dependent associations. LPA showed negative associations with depressive symptoms, with interoceptive accuracy fully mediating this association. In contrast, MVPA demonstrated both direct and indirect associations with depressive symptoms, partially mediated by interoceptive accuracy. Mindfulness strengthened these relationships through complementary and synergistic moderation, highlighting the dynamic interaction between bodily awareness and physical activity in psychological recovery. Tailoring gentle, mindful movement to enhance interoception may offer a feasible, integrative rehabilitation strategy to reduce depression among CRC survivors. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and osteoporosis are common age-related degenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition may contribute to the pathogenesis of both conditions. Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and osteoporosis are common age-related degenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition may contribute to the pathogenesis of both conditions. This study investigated whether probucol could alleviate AD-associated bone loss and Aβ42-induced osteoblast dysfunction, and further explored the underlying mechanisms. Female mice were divided into four groups (n = 5 per group): C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), WT treated with probucol (WT + PBC), APP/PS1 transgenic (AD) mice, and AD treated with probucol (AD+PBC). Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by micro-CT. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) along with bone metabolism markers including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), sclerostin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in bone and brain tissues were measured by ELISA. FOXO3a was knocked down in the bone marrow of APP/PS1 mice via stereotactic injection of lentiviral vectors. Expression of APP and FOXO3a in bone tissue was evaluated using RT-qPCR and Western blotting (WB). Mitochondrial damage in osteoblasts and neuronal cells was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro study, osteoblast differentiation and mineralization deficits were evaluated using Alizarin Red staining. WB was used to measure the expression of AKT, FOXO3a, autophagy and apoptosis related proteins. Probucol attenuated bone loss and mitochondrial damage in both APP/PS1 and FOXO3a-knockdown APP/PS1 mice, and improved cognitive impairment and neuronal ultrastructure in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, probucol attenuated Aβ42-induced osteoblast differentiation and mineralization via the AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway in vitro. These findings demonstrate that probucol ameliorates AD-associated bone loss and Aβ42-induced osteoblast impairments by regulating AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway. Show less
After feeding carnivorous mandarin fish ( Compared to the easy-acclimation group (EA), the difficult-acclimation group (DA) exhibited significantly lower body weight and length ( The results of this s Show more
After feeding carnivorous mandarin fish ( Compared to the easy-acclimation group (EA), the difficult-acclimation group (DA) exhibited significantly lower body weight and length ( The results of this study indicate that the observed differences in growth performance post-acclimation are associated with the synergistic regulation of brain gene expression, host metabolites, and intestinal microbiota. These results elucidate key molecular mechanisms in the acclimation process of mandarin fish. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-025-12446-4. Show less
Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition initiated by nerve injury and frequently accompanied by affective disturbances, including anxiety and depression. Growing evidence suggests that maladaptive neu Show more
Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition initiated by nerve injury and frequently accompanied by affective disturbances, including anxiety and depression. Growing evidence suggests that maladaptive neuroplasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) contributes to the persistence and affective dimension of neuropathic pain. To narratively review and critically synthesize current evidence on ACC-related neuroplasticity in neuropathic pain across molecular, circuit, glial, and translational domains. We narratively reviewed experimental and clinical studies addressing ACC-related molecular signaling, synaptic and circuit remodeling, glial and neuroimmune mechanisms, and interventional approaches relevant to neuropathic pain and its affective dimension. At the molecular level, abnormal ACC synaptic plasticity has been associated with long-term potentiation involving N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors-particularly GluN2B-dependent signaling-while the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-TrkB axis may further contribute to dendritic remodeling and maladaptive synaptic strengthening. At the circuit level, the ACC interacts with limbic regions including the insula and amygdala, within distributed networks that appear to contribute to aversive learning and pain-related affect. At the non-neuronal level, alterations in the ACC microenvironment include astrocyte-linked neuroinflammation and microglia-associated synaptic remodeling, which may shift excitation-inhibition balance. Therapeutically, ACC-targeted strategies are evolving from broad pharmacological modulation toward more spatially specific neuromodulation, although major translational challenges remain, including limited target specificity, cross-species differences, and uncertain causal inference in humans. ACC-related neuroplasticity appears to be an important component of neuropathic pain-affect pathophysiology. Future progress will depend on integrating mechanistic insights with network-level interpretation and improving the precision and clinical translatability of ACC-engaging interventions. Show less
To elucidate the molecular basis of intramuscular fat (IMF) variation in yellow-feathered broilers, we selected 10 high-IMF (HF) and 10 low-IMF (LF) breast muscle samples from a total of 214 samples, Show more
To elucidate the molecular basis of intramuscular fat (IMF) variation in yellow-feathered broilers, we selected 10 high-IMF (HF) and 10 low-IMF (LF) breast muscle samples from a total of 214 samples, after z-score filtering for LC-MS lipidomics and RNA-seq analyses. Lipidomics identified 94 differentially expressed lipids (DELs; 83 upregulated, 11 downregulated in HF), predominantly triglycerides (TGs, 20.2%), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs, 15.3%), phosphatidylcholines (PCs, 12.1%), and sphingomyelins (SMs, 8.4%). LION/web enrichment indicated an unsaturated lipid-rich phenotype, characterized by fatty acids containing ≥ 2 double bonds and membrane structural components. RNA-seq revealed 423 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 312 upregulated, 111 downregulated in HF), enriched in plasma membrane, cell periphery, retinol metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. RT-qPCR validation of nine lipid metabolism-related DEGs confirmed the RNA-seq trends. Cross-omics Pearson correlation between these DEGs and the top 20 DELs identified PLIN1, SCD, and APOB as central regulatory hubs strongly associated with multiple polyunsaturated TGs and PCs. Functional overlap across omics layers suggests coordinated membrane remodeling and unsaturated lipid deposition in HF breast muscle, providing a data-driven framework for future mechanistic validation and breeding strategies. Show less
In this retrospective study, a total of 3468 adolescent and adult AML patients were screened, and 181 patients harboring The incidence of Our study revealed the heterogeneous outcomes of
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by lipid accumulation and immune cell infiltration in arterial walls. Macrophages contribute by internalizing oxidized low-density lipoprotein, Show more
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by lipid accumulation and immune cell infiltration in arterial walls. Macrophages contribute by internalizing oxidized low-density lipoprotein, forming foam cells, and driving inflammation. The ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates immune and inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis. This study investigated the protective role of TRIM31 (tripartite motif-containing 31), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in macrophage lipid metabolism and inflammation through selective regulation of LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1). Transcriptomic profiling, macrophage-specific TRIM31 was selectively upregulated in macrophages under oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulation and in atherosclerosis plaques. Trim31 deficiency exacerbated plaque burden, foam cell formation, and inflammatory signaling (n=8 per group). Single-cell analysis revealed enrichment of lipid transport and inflammatory pathways in Trim31-deficient plaques. LOX-1 was identified as a key TRIM31 substrate. TRIM31 promoted K48-linked ubiquitination of LOX-1 at lysine 12, facilitating its degradation. The atheroprotective effects of Trim31 were abolished in TRIM31, an inducible, macrophage-enriched protective factor in atherosclerosis, restricts foam cell formation and inflammation by targeting LOX-1 for proteasomal degradation. These findings position TRIM31 as a promising therapeutic target for macrophage-driven atherogenesis. Show less
Central pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment and mood disorders are complex. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-derived bioactive compounds have significant research value in Show more
Central pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment and mood disorders are complex. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-derived bioactive compounds have significant research value in this field. This study aimed to synthesize current preclinical and emerging clinical evidence on the neuroprotective and psychotropic effects of key TCM constituents, with a particular focus on their roles in modulating neuroinflammatory signalling, synaptic plasticity, oxidative balance and stress-related neuroendocrine pathways. A narrative synthesis of experimental and early clinical studies was conducted, emphasizing mechanistic investigations in rodent models and exploratory human trials. Outcomes of interest included inflammatory cytokine expression, inflammasome activation, redox homeostasis, synaptic signalling pathways, neuroendocrine regulation, behavioural performance and translational pharmaceutical considerations. Multiple TCM constituents attenuate microglial activation and inflammasome signalling, suppressing interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha through inhibition of nuclear factor κB and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 pathways. These effects restore redox homeostasis, reduce synaptic loss and improve cognitive and behavioural outcomes in animal models. Concurrently, several compounds enhance synaptic resilience by upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tropomyosin receptor kinase B signalling, activating downstream mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein pathways and preserving synaptic proteins. Key agents, including ginsenosides, baicalin and curcumin, have shown translational promise, with small human trials reporting improvements in depressive symptoms, cognitive function and biomarker profiles. Additionally, TCM compounds modulate HPA axis dynamics by attenuating stress-induced corticosterone elevation, restoring glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and rebalancing monoaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, pharmaceutical translation remains limited by challenges related to formulation, dosage standardization and poor oral bioavailability, particularly for flavonoids and saponins. TCM-derived compounds exert multifaceted neuroprotective and psychotropic effects, while successful clinical translation requires strengthened pharmaceutical characterization, standardized dosing strategies and advanced delivery systems such as nanoformulations, phytosomes and standardized granules to enhance bioavailability, reliability and regulatory acceptance. Show less